Free car tax check

Taxed, untaxed or SORN

The DVLA record shows one of three states. Taxed means vehicle excise duty is paid and the car can legally be used on the road. Untaxed means it cannot be driven or parked on a public road. SORN — a Statutory Off Road Notification — means the keeper has formally declared it off the road; it must be kept on private land.

Tax does not transfer with the car

Since 2014, road tax is cancelled the moment a vehicle changes hands. As the new keeper you must tax it yourself before driving it away, even if the seller's tax had months left to run. The seller receives an automatic refund for complete months remaining.

Why the expiry date still matters

A car that has been untaxed or SORN for a long period has probably been standing. Standing cars develop flat spots on tyres, seized brakes, perished seals, corroded discs and flat batteries. Ask why, and factor recommissioning into your offer.

Penalties for getting it wrong

Driving an untaxed vehicle risks an automatic penalty, clamping and impoundment. Enforcement is automated through number plate recognition, so it is caught quickly. Always confirm the tax status before you drive a newly bought car.

Check the rest of the record too

Tax status is only the surface. The same free check shows the full MOT history, and a paid report adds outstanding finance, write-off, stolen and mileage checks.